A PRESTWICK man was used as 'a patsy' to convert cash stolen through fraud after money was illegally transferred into his account.

Aiden Greer allowed his bank account to be used to transfer money stolen by someone else.

The 23-year-old appeared at Ayr Sheriff Court for sentencing last week after pleading guilty to converting criminal property worth £2,902 and purchasing $3,675 at the RBS, Sandgate and Ramsdens on Ayr's High Street.

He also admitted buying three gift cards worth £300 at Scott’s Menswear, then in the High Street, and JD Sport at Ayr Central, during the fraud on February 11, 2020.

He plead guilty to helping transfer the stolen cash, withdrawing £2,150 from the RBS over various occasions on the same date.

Not guilty pleas to other charges were accepted by prosecutors from Greer, of Ceren Court, Prestwick.

Two co-accused named on the complaint were acquitted after their not guilty pleas were accepted.

Procurator Fiscal depute Alasdair Millar said: “On February 11, the complainer was defrauded. An employee received five phone calls to NatWest from an individual seeking details.

“The complainer was subject to two fraudulent bank transfers into an RBS account of the accused.

“At 1.05pm he used his debit card to purchase dollars.

“At 2.50pm police were contacted by an employee of Scott’s Menswear about possible gift card fraud.

“They were then contacted by JD Sports. The accused was observed with other parties entering a vehicle.

“A search was carried out recovering the large quantity of cash.

“Police reviewed evidence that the accused purchased dollars and attended various rental outlets.”

Defence solicitor Steven Maxwell said: “All sums have been recovered now by the Crown.

“I think it’s patently clear my client was a patsy.

“He was approached, he was used. It’s patently clear he played a small part. They approached Mr Greer, otherwise they would not be able to work their trade.

“He had been conned, almost. I don’t think he appreciated the seriousness of matters.”

Sheriff Siobhan Connolly told Greer: “This is a very serious offence. Matters of fraud of this nature, given the amount involved, could attract a custodial sentence.

“I do, however take account of the background circumstances, that others played a greater part ­– but you played your part.”

Greer, of Ceren Court, was placed on a community payback order and put under social work supervision for 18 months.

He will also complete 200 hours of unpaid for the community – reduced from the maximum of 300 – to be completed in a year.

A further proceeds of crime hearing regarding £5,672, now in the possession of the police, to be paid back will take place at a later date.

Mr Maxwell told Sheriff Connolly that he and Mr Millar had been ‘arguing over pennies’ during the hearing, due to fluctuations in the exchange rates.